Machine for automatically producing apparel belts and like strap bodies



Jan. 5, 1954 .1. A. TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES 7 Sheets-Sheei 1 Filed March 16, 1951 INVENTOR c a N r g N m \M w NNN m NN N 8 NW NNN m N @N \N m& gs M A %\N QM 3N h QM W l. C B I \N L N l H H w gm M I JWWA J NQI k. a M 5 a xw w o z o I m w i a m a MM M. Me: U .MU ml a kw ML am a Qvk g WW FQQN wm \m w wm x MN \N km w L Jan. 5, 1954 J. A. TUCK 2,664,732 MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed March 16, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 C/kmesj Z Z 627 750% 1954 J. A. TUCK 2,664,732

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed March 16, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

I I dimeslz l fi Jan. 5, 1954 2,664,732

J. A. TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed March 16, 1951 7- Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. c/imasfillen 790% Jiia'i gg 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 J. A. TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL. BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Jan. 5, 1954 Filed March 16, 1951 Jan. 5, 1954 J. A. TUCK MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 16 1951 INVENTOR. (fines/H7822 230% ,4 Uri 7Z2,

Jan. 5, 1954 J A TUCK 2,664,732

MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE STRAP BODIES Filed March 16, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 I N V EN TOR. Cffl'WS A ZZ 19/7 2 6% Patented Jan. 5, 1 954 MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUC- ING APPAREL BELTS AND LIKE BODIES STRAP James Allen Tuck, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor, by I mesne assignments, to Louis Krantz, New York,

Application March 16, 1951, Serial No. 216,077

6 Claims. (01. 69-1) This invention relates to an automatic machine for producing apparel belt and like strap bodies from strip stock ready for the reception of buckles by which the same are equipped for use.

The instant invention has for an object to provide an automatic machine through which stock strips can be passed and processed to effect the different operations required to form the same into belt or strap bodies ready for application of buckles thereto whereby to provide finished belts or straps; such operations generally including 1) beveling or trimming the edges of the stock strips; (2) punching the stock strips to provide buckle reception slots and suitably spaced buckle tongue engageable holes, and cutting the stock strips to shape the buckle attachment and free ends of the belt or strap bodies; (3) skiving the stock strips; l) embossing or scoring the face surface of the stock strips or belt or strap bodies; and stamping the belt or strap bodies with size and suitable descriptive or other indicia.

The invention has for a further object to provide an automatic machine for the stated purposes which is arranged to provide mechanisms for performing the above specified operations respectively at different stations, means being provided for automatically successively moving the stock strips from station to station for the per formance of said operations in sequence.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved mechanisms for performing the several individual operations above specified, ineluding means for holding the stock strips immovable, when necessary, in proper positioned relation to said operating mechanisms subject to the operations thereof. v

Still another object of the invention is to pro,- vide an automatic machine for the stated purposes which can be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate its operating mechanisms for performance upon stock strips according to width and. length sizes of finished belt or strap bodies desired to be produced.

Other objects of this invention, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be under- 2-2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section through the stock strip cutting and punching mechanism of the machine, taken on line 3-3 in Fig. l, but drawn on an enlarged scale; Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail plan view of means associated with the cutting and punching mechanism and operative to center a stock strip in alignment with said cutting and punching mechanism subject to the operation thereof, this view showing the normal initial position of said centering means; and Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4, but showing the operative position of said centering means.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section through the stock strip skiving mechanism of the machine, taken on line 66 in Fig. l, but drawn on an enlarged scale; Fig. '7 is a similar View in part showing the skiving instrumentality in performance of its operative skiving stroke.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section, taken on line 8-8 in Fig. 1 but drawn on an enlarged scale, to show means for stamping the work with, size, descriptive or other indicia.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section, taken on line 9--9 in Fig. 1 but drawn on an enlarged scale, the same showing transfer means on its forward stroke operative to transfer the work from one operating mechanism of the machine to another; Fig. 10 is a similar view showing said transfer means on its retractive stroke; Fig. 11 is a detail cross-sectional view, taken on line Il--|l in Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is another detail cross-sectional view, taken on line l2l2 in Fig. 9; and Fig. 13 is still another cross-sectional view, taken on line l3l3 in Fig. 9; all of said cross-sectional views being drawn on a further enlarged scale.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section, taken on line l4l4 in Fig. 1 but drawn on an enlarged scale, the same showing the belt or strap body discharge mechanism of the machine in a form also adapted to score or crease the face of the belt or strap body, together with the means for operating the same; and Fig. 15 is a fragmentary vertica1 longitudinal section of the same, taken on line Iii-l5 in Fig. 14.

Similar characters of reference are employed in the hereinabove described views, to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the framework of the machine, in the illustrative embodiment thereof as shown, is formed by spaced apart sta tionary transverse frame members i and 2 at one end thereof, a'similar stationary transverse frame member 3 at the opposite end thereof, and a movable transverse frame member s intermediate said end frame members. The stationary end frame members are joined together by side rails 5. Respectively supported by the stationary frame members I, 2 and 3 are respective transverse frame plates or aprons 5, 7 and 8. Supported by th movable frame member 4 are similar frame plates or aprons 9 and I0. Supported by the frame members I and 2 above their frame plates or aprons 6 and 1 is a fixed horizontal work table I I, and similarly supported by the movable frame member 4 and its frame plates or aprons 9 and I is a work table section I2 which is thus carried by and so as to be movable with said movable frame member 4. At the receiving end of the machine is mounted a table extension I3 which is disposed in the plane of the work table II for communication therewith. Said table extension I3 is supported at its outer end by an additional stationary frame member I4 which includes a transverse frame plate or apron I5.

The main shaft Iii of the machine extends longitudinally thereof beneath the work table parts II, I2 and I3, the same being journaled in bearings I! respectively affixed to frame plate or apron parts of the machine framework. Power may be transmitted to said main shaft it from any suitable source; preferably, however, an electric motor M is provided to serve as a power source. Power is transmitted from the motor M to the input shaft I8 of a reduction gear mechanism I9, and by the latter, through gearing 2%, to said main shaft IS.

A pair of stock strip feed rolls is provided in connection with the work table I! and its extension I3 (see Figs. 1 and 2) These feed rolls comprise a lower roll 2|, the shaft of which is journaled in bearings 22 mounted in connection with the stationary frame member I of the machine framework, and an upper roll 23. The shaft of the upper roll 23 is journaled in a bearing 24 carri'ed by carrier arms 25 which are pivotally connected with supporting means -2 mounted in connection with the stationary frame member of the machine framework. As thus supported, the upper feed roll 23 can be adjusted relative to the lower feed roll 2!, by means of adjusting screw 21, whereby to accommodate the nip of said feed rolls to stock strips of difEeren-t thickness. The means for driving the few rolls 2! and 23 comprises a transverse countershaft 2'8 whichis driven from the input shaft 58 of the reduction gear mechanism I 9 by a chain and sprocket transmis sion '29. The :feed rolls 24 and '23 are driven in opposite directions from the countershaf-t 23 by .a

'chain and sprocket transmission 30 (.see Mounted on the table extension -I-3., adjacent to its outer end, is a stock strip edge beveling or trimming means, in advance of which are moun ed laterally spaced guide members ii-I which lead a stock strip to and for passage through said edge beveling or trimming means, when said stock strip is introduced into the machin for passage therethrough. The edge beveling and trimming means comprises a pair of lateral-lyspaced and opposed carrier plates 32 which respectively border opposite sidesof the path of movement of a stock strip into the machine. Supported by said carrier plates 32 are cutting knives 33, the forward ends of which terminate insharp, chisellike cutting edges which are positioned close to the discharge side of the nip of apair of drive rollers by which the *stock strip is advanced to move its edges into engagement with the cutting knives subject to the edge beveling or trimming action thereof. Said drive rollers comprise lower rollers 34 and an upper roller 35, the shafts of which are journaled in bearings similar to those which journal the shafts of the feed rolls 2| and 23 as above described. The lower drive roller 34 is driven from the shaft of the lower feed roll ZI by sprocket and chain transmission and similarly the upper drive roller 35 is driven from the shaft of the upper feed roll by sprocket and chain transmission 37 (see 2) It will be understood, however, that said drive rollers may be power driven in any other manner found convenient or desirable, the above described power transmission thereto being merely illustrative. Supported from and above the table or:- tension I3 is a transverse frame 3t having bearing arms 39 extending therefrom. Journal-ed in and between said bearing arms is a transverse adjusting shaft 40, to one end of which is amxed a hand wheel 4| by which it can be manipulated. This adjusting shaft 40 is provided with a left hand screw-threaded section and a right hand screw-threaded section. The carrier plates are respectively supported by brackets 42 which are respectively in threaded engagement with the respective left and right hand screw-threaded sections of the adjusting shaft 40, whereby, upon manipulation of the latter, the carrier plates 32 can be adjusted toward and from one another to accommodate their cutting knives 33 for engage-- ment with different widths of stock strips (see Fig. 1).

Mounted on the table extension I3, to extend intermediate the stock strip beveling or trimming means and the feed rolls 2i and 23, is a stock strip guiding means 43, which is laterally adjus able to accommodate stock strips of difierent widths. Said guiding means 43 guides a steel: strip issuing from the beveling or trimming means to the feed rolls '2 I23, so that the same will be engaged by the latter and thereby advanced onto the work table III2 subject to movement by transfer mechanism, to be later described, from one station to another at which various processing operations are performed by mechanisms hereinafter described.

As a stock strip issues from the feed rolls 2 I-23 it is lodged upon the rearward part of the work table II-42, which constitutes a receiving station, in longitudinal extension over the latter, and so as to be held against outward lateral displacement by back stop elements 44 which are fixed upon the work table.

Laterally spaced apart at respective stations between the rearward and forward sides of the work table are various mechanisms by which the stock strips are processed to finally produce finished apparel belt or strap bodies. In the illustrative embodiment .of the machine as shown, first beyond the receiving station is the station at which is located the mechanism "for punching and end shaping the stock strips; next beyond the punching and end shaping station is the station at which is located the mechanism for skiving the stock strips to complete formation of the buckle receiving end of the produced belt or strap; next beyond the skiving station is the station at which is located the mechanism for stamping or imprinting the stock strip with beltor strap size, descriptive or other desired indicia; and beyond the latter station is the belt or strap body discharge station, in connection with which mechanism for embossing .or scoring the .front .face surface of the produced belt or strap may be associated. It willbe understood that the described and shown sequence of .sta-

. tion relationship maybe varied; i. e. the sequential order in which the performance of the several operations involved takes place may be changed, if desired, to give relative precedence of one given operation over another.

The means for punching and end shaping the stock strips, in a preferred form and arrangement thereof as shown more particularly in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5, comprises mechanism which is operative upon the rear end portion of a stock strip for shaping and slotting the buckle receiving end of a belt or strap body, this mechanism being mounted in connection with the stationary frame member I, andmechanism operative upon the forward end portion of a stock strip for shaping and punching the free end part of a belt or strap body, the latter mechanism being mounted in connection with the movable frame member 4 in longitudinal alignment with the buckle end shaping and slotting mechanism, subject, by movement of the movable frame member 4, to adjusted spaced relation to the latter mechanism according to length of belt or strap body to be produced, in manner and by means herein subsequently explained.

In Fig. 1 the buckle end shaping and slotting mechanism is generally indicated by the reference character and the free end shaping and punching mechanism is generally indicated by the reference character 5|.

The buckle end shaping and slotting mechanism 50 is best shown in Fig. 3, and comprises a vertically reciprocable carrier frame, generally indicated by the reference character 52 and formed by laterally spaced c-shaped side plates 52' which straddle the outer end of the work table I I. The upper end of said carrier frame 52 is provided with top cross-heads 53 and 53', and its lower end with a bottom cross-head 54, the latter having a dependent slide arm 55 which is slidably supported in a bottom guide member 56 that is mounted on the frame plate or apron 6 of frame member I below the work table II. Mounted on the top end of the frame member I, which projects above the work table I I, is a top guide member 51. Extending upwardly, through the top cross-heads 5353' is an upper slide arm 58 which is slidably supported by the top guide member 51. Affixed to the lower end of the slide arm 58 below the cross-head 53 is a carrier body 59 which carries a tool holder 60. The tool holder (it can be longitudinally adjusted relative to the carrier body 59 by an adjusting screw BI which has swivel connection with the tool holder 60 and which is in threaded connection with a nut piece 6% dependent from an end of the carrier body 59. Mounted on the tool holder St is a suitably shaped cutter mernher or blade 63 which operates to shape the extremity of the buckle attachment end of the belt or strap body to be produced. Also mounted on the tool holder fill is a slotting punch M which operates to form the buckle attachment slot in the belt or strap body to be produced. The carrier body 59 with the tool holder fill can be vertically adjusted within the carrier frame 52, whereby to predetermine the spacing of the cut ting blade 63 and slotting punch 54 relative to the work table II according to the stroke amplitude of carrier frame reciprocation. To this end, adjusting screws -65 are threaded through the cross-head 53 and are operative to engage the carrier body 59 so as to vertically adjust its position and thereby the tool holder and tools in the carrier frame.

Carried by the tool holder '60 is a punch scrap discharge duct 66 with which the slotting punch 64 communicates so that punch scrap will pass from the interior of the latter into said discharge duct; injector means 6'! being connected with the duct for delivering compressed air thereinto whereby to convey the punch scrap therethrough to a suitable point of discharge and collection.

The means for effecting properly timed reciprocation of the carrier frame 52, and the tools operated thereby, comprises a lay shaft 58 which extends longitudinally beneath the table parts II and I2. This lay shaft is journaled in bearings 69 respectively mounted on frame plate or apron parts of the machine framework. The lay shaft 68 is driven from the main shaft I6 by means of a drive gear Ill on the latter which meshes with a driven gear II on the former. Journaled in the bottom cross-bar 54 of the carrier frame 52 is an anti-friction roller 12, and fixed on the lay shaft 68 is an actuating 'cam I3 which engages said roller 12, and which functions to reciprocate the carrier frame 52 and the tools carried thereby. Spring means M operates to cause the carrier frame and its roller 12 to follow the cam I3, thus assuring operative reciprocation of said carrier frame and the tools carried thereby.

The mechanism 5| for shaping and punching the free end portion of the producing belt or strap bodies, which mechanism is longitudinally aligned with the above described buckle end shaping and slotting mechanism, and adapted to be simultaneously operated with the latter at the same table station, is also best shown in Fig. 3, and likewise comprises a vertically reciprocable carrier frame generally indicated by the reference character I5 and formed by laterally spaced C-shaped side plates I5 which straddle the outer end of the work table section I2 associated with the movable frame member 4. The upper end of carrier frame 15 is provided with top cross-heads l6 and I6, and its lower end with. a bottom cross-head H, the latter having a dependent side arm it which is slidably supported in a bottom guide member 79 that is mounted on a frame plate or apron IQ of the movable frame member 4 below the work table section I2. Mounted on the top end of the movable frame member 4, which pro ,iects above the work table section I2, is top guide member 80. Extending upwardly through the top cross-heads I6 and 76' is an upper slide arm 8| which is slidably supported by said top guide member 80. Afiixed to the lower end of said slide arm 8| below the cross-head U5 is a carrier body 82 which carries a tool holder 83. The tool holder 83 can be longitudinally adjusted relative to the carrier body 82 by an adjusting screw 84 which has a swivel connection with the tool holder 83 and which is in threaded connection with a nut piece 85 dependent from an end of the carrier body 82. Mounted on the tool holder 83 is a suitably shaped cutter member or blade 86 which operates to point the extremity of the free end portion of the belt or strap body to be produced. Also mounted on the tool holder 83 are a plurality of longitudinally spaced hole punches 31 which operate to form buckle tongue engageable perforations or holes in the free end portion of the belt or strap body to be produced. The carrier body 82 can "be vertically adjusted within the carrier frame'I5, whereby to predetermine the spacing ofthe cutting blade 85 thei e h'h 'leeif serene .5 lie e 1 e i retir lto hehee h e i 3' a so to yertica llyladjustits position 'an'cl 92 1 ehe t eleih he eerh Carried by the tool holder 83 is a punch scrap dis ha g vd s wi h whi h h p heh s' 'e' l e iv t h 'QheC Hfee iihJQ h ar frame e r ethe he e lfie he 5 h he Teller 9 t fe low th 19 t u eee r timed 'h retir ee h eeehh; 9 s i earlier hem f and theciittinbl ad'hfi and meanes carried thereby. A

Cee rei r wi h he e vee eve des b stock's :c ittingand punching mechanismsare center g devices which are adapted 't'o're spefi i rleh eelt e hhe te hde e ee t p w i h l eh' ,e 'eheek e e th We table and delivered beneath said mechanisms to receiye pr'ocessing thereby; Thesestook strip centeringldeyicesi loyltheir operations; which are timed to talge' place prior to operative strokes of th'e' cutting and punching mechanisms, automaticalIy'engege'the respective endportions of the d iv re e eek Stile t hi l e steel; strip and bring it into accurately centered, longitudijnally aligned relation to the cutting and punchihg' tools, vher'eby' to assure that the cutsand perforations produced by the latter are accurately located and aligned midway'hetween the side margins of said stock strip. These stocK strip centering deiii'ces' are respectively disposed t olextend from the worktable sections H and 2 for cooperation therewith, and are generally indicated in Fig. 1 'by the reference character li fl. "Since both said centering devices are'alike and are subjectto'properly tirried operation by like actuating nieans, detail descriptionof one will lsuffi'oe, reference being'had m re particularly to thejshowing thereof in 3; 4 'a'nd'5j Each centering devic' compri'ses a longitudinal slideway member which is suitably supported for extension from the Work table section withfivh'ichdti's associated in the plane thereof slidablymoyabl in said slideWaymember III], toward al en-6m the cutting and punchme: mechanism withwhi'ch'it is aligned, is a slide plate ffiif Pivotally lino unted on the forward end portion'of the slide plate !02 are a pair of laterally spaced gripper fingers I83, the free end portions of which project -free1y beyond the forward'end' of the slide plate,'lso as to overhang the Work table surface. 'Ihe .free end portions or 'the gripper fingers I03 terminate in gripping jaws I'M which"project from ".the .iindersides thereof so as to abut the .work table surface. Moun ted' in guide mei'nbers I05, which are affixed onlthe top of thel'slide .plate I02, is a relatively "slidable long'itudinal' draw-bar J06, which iisxlisframe ,Spr'ing" means heee ehi el tha l iirqtel leeh eet. wit l h ll h' re l he tion 'of the draw-bar' lil iiare a pair of s 1 01,

theoutenends of which are respectively p otally coupled with the respectijve gripper fin rs" [53 a eihtsh h ermedieh h ehh ,th ee 4111 spr h f is i t ehh eted t en th .ielid Plate 1.9. an th dre -he we wh reby t h b h ldthelathe edveh e Qhthe 'i e n positio o trans i th u t th ough th .l hh 10 to th rihhe l hee s J9 the hermhl y 'e it hf e e h se e iph hhee ehdi e eh sho h t h m imhq rihe hit h re fswuh er ehe pe 'it e hown hI hiehdj he e hwerd r i e'l h.thefdr whe ttefi' e a t e hel "I 09, which slidablygegitends through tan pest-ignens, .tr sv bht eh flehe Uh wi whieh t en r nd the sl dewe jhlem e .ie' el ,fhr ii d Me hed'feh th .ehte ehs 9 st id erhe r is e sprin eh hie s s hieeh T 1 'Meeh 'rr i d ete t es tim I f which of th lide Pl t '9 he 1 t ht h devi e if me h' f qmhr e eh .hehee ihe e e "t hivete e e fi l e which is supported by a bracket arrn I [4 that is s e- .ehr d ma e-ext n s .iren e edi i re l t o ii e 9 m i fi mll "fi imw ikh .hh 'e e d o s i ie th t e e g :i he?- h e edl' h ,l h u Wi i h e Pet L Timed oscillation of the actuating lei e'r' I I2 Jis prqducedpy a earn l [Ethat is mounted on' the ma n ha 1. o th ih h h eh rhie i' re ehee hr th .hhth rie e hene t '1 h e e grinlua mounted onlthle' pivotingshaft its r said W actuating lever 11 21 [Sp rig nieans "Us is p e ew o ei the har hhh e l0W the hm 14.

In h rht eh fi QCQFQi-EflQfiYW te a stock 'strip ihas been Qrnoved over the work talole and positio ed beneath the cutting and huhehi e e heh em e 'j 'e ve strok o h l tt nth eehi tih heret' ie' 'wih h' h f the eehh tih le e s J1 thereb m in lwerd on th e i w r mem ers W th slid pl 102- h th v hl re ate .zhe ihwe d the drag rods iil fl rnove inwardlytherewith until the spring cushioned stop Ineans l H engage the abutment flanges L170, thus. arresting ,furtlienon- Ward movement of the drawbars 1 86 while the .slide plates ifiZ complete their iorw ard movementsf a result of this, draft is'leg erted through the links 101 upon ripper fi er 1 03, whereby thelatter areinswung so that their gripping jaws .LM engage opposite sides .of -vthe stool; strip, ,the1 ',eby to shift and hold thelatter in properly centered and aligned relation to .thecuttingvand punching mechanisms, While the latter perform their functions .(see Figs. 1 (and 5). The operatio n of the centeringdevices is so timed by thejirractuating cams H5 thatafter operation of the lcuttir'i gi and {punching mechsm i p omp i l1ed and saidgniechanisms return to nor nal initial positions, the slide plates l 02 are retracted, thedraw-hars I B6 are released fromrestraint by the stopped drag rods YIDSQsO that the pull-spring 1:08 can again-function to exert forward pressure .on the draw-bars J05, whereby to exert outward {thrust through the links m1 upon the'gljipperifingers magma this return the latter to their' l normal initial out swung or openipositions .(see'Fig. 4) I w The means for slziying the stock strip in .the ar a of the huelrleattachment slot ffor rnedltherer wh r b 0.1 were heme t h du'e'e belt or strap body in said are aiahout bjar' of 9 a buckle to be subsequently attached thereto, is preferably located at a next succeeding station after that at which the stock strip cutting and punching mechanisms are stationed. Said skiving means is generally indicated in Fig. 1 by the reference character I20 and the stock strip clamping means which is cooperative therewith by the reference character I2I.

The skiving means is best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and comprises a slideway member I22 which extends outwardly from the work table I I in the plane thereof. Longitudinally slidable in said slideway member is a slide plate I23. Carried by the slide plate, to overhang a transverse opening I24 with which its inner end portion is provided, is a skiving blade I25, the latter being disposed with its cutting edge directed toward the outer end of the slide plate. Mounted in upstanding bearings I 26 in connection with the outer end portion of the slide plate I23 is a bell-crank lever comprising a substantially vertical arm I21, which extends downwardly through an opening I28 in the outer end portion of the slide plate I23, and a substantially horizontal arm I29 which extends inwardly over the slide plate I23 to overhang the skiving blade I25 and the bordering opening I24 in said slide plate. Mounted on the free inner end of said bell-crank arm I29 is a pressure roller I30. The outer end portion of the slide plate I23 is provided with longitudinally spaced dependent lugs I3I and I32 in which are respectively mounted adjustable stop screws I33 and I34 to oppose opposite sides or faces of the bell-crank arm I2'I which depends therebetween.

The means for reciprocating the slide plate I23 to effect the skiving operation comprises the following mechanism. Journaled in bearings I35 mounted on frame plates or aprons of the machine framework is another longitudinal lay shaft'I36, the same being driven from the gear II on the lay shaft 68 by a driven gear I37 which is fixed on said lay shaft I36. Driven by said lay shaft I36 is a cam I38 which effects timed operation of a lever means I39. Said lever means I39 is pivoted on a bracket arm I40 that extends from the frame plate or apron I on the frame member 2 of the machine framework. A connecting rod or link MI is connected between the lever means I39 and the arm I2! of the bell-crank lever carried by the slide plate I23. Pull spring means I42 causes the lever means I39 to follow the actuating cam I38.

Means is provided for clamping a stock strip to the work table against longitudinal movement Said clamping during the skiving operation. means may be varied in form and location. One illustrative arrangement and location thereof, as shown, is generally indicated by the reference character I21, and is best shown in Fig. 6, the same comprising a carrier frame I44 which is formed by laterally spaced side plates I44 which straddle the outer end of the work table section I2. The upper end of this carrier frame is provided with a cross-head I45. Slidably extending upwardly through said cross-head I45 is a slide arm I46, the upper free end portion of which is slidably supported by a guide member I4! that is mounted on the top end of the movable frame member 4 which projects above the work table'section I2. Fixed on the lower end of'said slide arm I46 is a clamp plate I48 that is opposed to the surface of said work table section 42. A compression spring I49 is mounted around the lower end portion of the slide arm I46 intermediate the cross-head I and said clamp plate I48, and is operative to yieldably cushion the clamp plate in its normally stopped position as determined by a stop collar I50 that is fixed on the upper end portion of the slide arm I46 to normally abut the upper end of said cross-head I45. The lower end of the carrier frame I44 is provided with a bottom cross-head 45E, the same having a dependent slide arm I52 which is slidably supported in a, bottom guide member I53 that is mounted on a frame plate or apron of the movable frame member 4 below the work table section I2.

The means for effecting properly timed reciprocation of the carriage frame I44 and clamp means carried thereby comprises an actuating cam I54 that is fixed on the lay shaft I36. This cam I54 engages an anti-friction roller I55 which is mounted in connection with the bottom cross-head I5I. Spring means I56 operates to cause the carrier frame I44 and said roller I55 to follow the cam I54, thus assuring operative reciprocation of the carrier frame and clamp means.

In the operation of the skiving means, after a stock strip has been advanced over the work table so as to be aligned with the skiving device and cooperative clamp means, the cam, I54 is timed to lower the carrier frame I44, whereby to bring the spring cushioned clamp plate E48 down upon the underlying stock strip, thus clamping the latter to the work table against longitudinal shift under the pull of the actuated skiving device. The stock strip being thus clamped to the work table, the cam I38 is timed to cause an outward working movement of the slide plate I23 and skiving blade I25 carried thereby. Preparatory to this working movement, the cam actuated outward thrust of the link I4I against the arm I2I of the bell-crank lever carried by the slide plate I23, causes this arm I21 to swing outward against the stop screw i35, thereby down swinging the horizontal bell-crank lever arm I29 so as to force the pressure roller 430 down upon the underlying stock strip, whereby to press the underside of the latter against the cutting edge of the skiving blade I25 (see Fig. 7). This having taken place, continued outward thrust of the link MI is transmitted, through the engaged bell-crank lever arm I21 and stop screw I 33, to the slide plate I23, so as to slide the latter outwardly on the slideway member H2, and thereby to cause the skiving blade I25 to shave or skive the underface of the engaged portion of the stock strip, whereby to thin such portion. Upon completion of the skiving stroke, the actuating cam I54 operates to first up swing the bell-crank lever so as to lift the pressure roller I30 away from the stock strip, and thereupon to retract the slide plate and skiving blade to normal initial position, and to uplift the carrier frame I44 so as to release the stock strip from the clamp plate I48.

Located at a next succeeding station after that at which the skiving means is stationed is the means for stamping or imprinting a belt or strap body being produced with size, descriptive or other desired indicia. This stamping means is generally indicated in Fig. 1 by the reference character I60, and is shown more in detail in Fig. 8. Mounted in connection with the underside of the work table I I is a printing mechanism i6I, the printing face I62 of which projects through an opening I62 in said work table II, so as to lie substantially in the plane of the stock 11- strip: supporting top surface of said work table. Journaled in and between 'bearing members I53, whichupstand' from thetops of the'framemembers i and? or. themachine framework; is the pivoting I6 of a. bell-crank lever comprisinga dependent arm IE5 and a forwardly. extending horizontal arm I66 which overhangs the work table .1 I-.. Afiixed to andextendingbetween the tops ofthe frame members I and f the machine frameworkis a bridge plate I61 by which is supporteda dependent tubular guide member I68. Slidably reciprocable in said guide member .168 i512, plunger rod .I 69 whiohis pivotally connected to. the horizontal arm ltfi oi the bell-crank lever. Telescopically fittedpn" the lower end portion of thelplunger rod I69,I.subject to axial movement thereon,.is a platen- I-HL This platen is opposed tothe: printing mechanism .I 61. The axial movementorthe platen- I lfliislimited by a pin and slot connection; I.'H-.I:I 2 by which the platen is coupled: to the plunger rod. ,A compression spring are; ..-which; is mounted; between: the platen and the; lower: end. otthe guide member I68; cushions the-platen for; upward. yielding movement when said platenissbrought intocontact withtheprint ingmechanisinz it I v The bell-crankclever itfi ififi with the platen I'm: actuated: thereby. is operated; in properly timed relation .tothe arrival. and deposit of a stockstrip. between theprinting mechanism; IBI and the;p1aten, by a cam I14 which is fixed on the. main shaft l6; Said' cam H4 engages an anti friction roller I15 with which the free end of" the dependent. arm I55-oi the'belhcranklever isprovided. Pull spring; means I16 causes the bell-.cranklever to. follow the actuating cam lhi.

Beyond the station at which the stamping or printing operation is performed is the belt I or strap: bodydischarge stationa at which station isllocated va. longitudinal stop bar I80" (seFig. 1). by. which the belt or strap body; when advanced over the. work tab'lefrom the stamping station, ispositioned'fat.the.discharge side of a work. table subject to longitudinal propulsion for discharge therefrom, and thus from the machine. liocated" adjacent tothe outer end of-"thewo'rk table in..the path. of disch'argeniovmei'it' of a beItl rstrap body, is the mea s'ror causingu1s= charging propulsion of the belt or strapbody. Ifdesired, this pl'opelling'mea'risrmay also be ar ranged. to crease or scorethe side marginal or: tions of the face of the belt or trap bodydur ing discharge movement thereof Th'epropelli'n'g means. (see Figs: l lan'ddfr') comprises=an u per driving rol-l" enrolls" IEI- fixed" on a transverse drivenshaft" I82"which isjournaledin and be= tween bearing brackets I 83 "supported by them'a chine framework, and a-ldwerbed'roll I 84"w'hich is-opposed" to the driving roll' or rolls "I 81; The driving'roll or rolls may be -of the-smooth'iaced type'if creasing and scoring action is not-desired'; If, however, scoring or creasing action is desired; a-pair-of suitably spaced 'apart'scoring rolls having V-shap'edperipheries as showrr 1 (again see Figs; 14' and- 15} carr'b'e employed; and will serve both the= scoring or creasing function as" well the-propulsive discharge function. The fni'e'ans foractuating the driving roll or rolls l8] comprises a tran'sverse countersh'aft I85 which is driven from'th'e countershart 28 by intermeshing gearing -I 8% (see-Fig. 2 The=shart'"-I 82; by which the-driving'roll or rolls I81 is actuated, is' driven from said 'cou'ntershafit I 85 by.-chain 'an'd sprocket transmission- I 6'1? The=bed "roll I8E is suppo'r'ted .for timed movement toward and from the drivi-ng roll or rolls vI8I-; and to: this end-the. shaft of the'be'd roll IE4 isjournaled in the horizontal arm I88of a-bell-cranklever whichis-pivotally supported in connection with the machine' framework. The dependent arm I 89 .of this bell-crank lever is provided with an anti-frictioniroller I98. Journaled in bearing bracket means I8I, which is supported by. the machine framework below the work table H, is a transverse shaft I92 that also is driven from the countershaft I35 by intermeshing gearing I93.- .,On said shaft I92 ,is mounted an actuating cam I94 that is operative to engage theanti-friction rollerIQO with which the dependent arm I39 of the bell-crank lever is provided. Pull spring means I95 causes the bellcrank lever to follow said actuating, camI-M;

In the operation ofthe belt or. strap body discharge means; as abelt; or strap body is moved over thework table to the discharge. station and there aligned byabutment against the stop bar I 88-, its-outer end; portion passes between. the driving roll or rolls" H31 and the bedroll I84; at which tim said bed roll is lowered' and thus separated from the driving roll or rolls','so--that the interposed end portion oithe' beltor strap body is not engaged by the nip of theseyrolls. Thereafter the canr ldtistimed-to actuate the bell-cranklever I 88*l-89 whereby to' lift: the bed roll I towardthe'continuously rotating driving roll or rolls I8=I-,athus* nipping the interposed belt" or strapbodybetween these rolls, so that thedriving roll or rolls, whichrotate-at? relatively high speed-will thereupon grip: and propel the belt or strap body outwardly through a-discharge guide channel means IQ6;-and-thence out of the machine.

After a stock strip'is deposited on the" work table I I--I 2 at, thereeciving station; it issubject to-e'nga'gem'ent byautomatic ,transfenmeans by whichitis moved transversely stepjiby-step, at properlytimed intervals; from; station to star-- tion to receive'the 'prooessingtreatment to be-ex ercisedthereon by the respective-treating mechanism's which are located atjthe'respectivestationsaas above described; Saidtransfer means comprisesa plurality of: transversely exlifinding belt or' stra-pbody propelling-devices;which'are spaced :apart along th 'work table surface: The number and spacing or said'propelling devices is subj'ec't to variation;- but; as shown; comprise two in number; A onemounted' on''- the stationary work table I I and the other on the movable work table section I although more than twothereof may b'eprovidd if desired: Said propellingade vices being in'izlividilally-' alike; detail description ofone thereof' will-sttfiice. Th'e' propelling =de-' vices" are generally indicated'" by the reference character 2%.

Each propelling device (see Figs; 9 to 13' inclusivei comprises a stationary; guide-structure formed by" upstanding;- endwiseopen,- guide frames ZUIwvliich are affixed to=the -work-table respectively at v the receiving side and; the dis char-ge side" thereof. Provided in the%'sides 10f the-guide frames 20 I are internal slideWay-ledges 202, .suitably spaced. above the work table surface in plane "p arallel thereto; for thesupport of reciprocable impeller -means. Affixed toan'd ex tending between'the-guide frames 21H are laterallyrspaced-side members 2 03; the space inter: mediate thereorproviding a 'slidewaypassage-2ll4 in which" the-impeller means reciprocates The impeller means comprises a-slidemember formed byrlater'ally spacedapart slide-bars -2 05; secured together by intermediate spacer members 206;

3 The slide bars 295 are slidably supported by the heretofore mentioned slideway ledges 292 with which the guide frames 29! are provided. Pivotally connected with and between the slide bars 295 are a plurality of bifurcate impeller members 291, the same being longitudinally spaced at suitable intervals along the slide member formed by said slide bars. Said impeller members 29? terminate at their lower free end portions in suitably shaped push fingers 298. Longitudinally movable between the slide bars 295 of the slide member is a tractor bar 299 which is straddled by the bifurcate impeller members 291, and to which the latter are also pivotally connected, subject to forward and back swin about the pivotal connections thereof to the slide member. Said tractor bar 299 has a lost motion coupled connection with the slide member that is provided by a stop member 219 which is afiixed to the tractor bar, and which is provided with longitudinally spaced forward and rearward stop lugs 2H and M2 adapted to be engageable with a coupling cross-pin 253 that is affixed to and between the slide bars 205 of the slide member. The forward end portion of the tractor bar 299 extends freely beyond the forward end of the slide member and outwardly beyond the discharge side of the work table, and is adapted to be connected with means, to be presently described, for causing timed operative reciprocation of the propelling device.

Mean is provided for varying the stroke of the propelling device, whereby to accommodate the same to stock strips of various widths. For narrow stock strips the propelling stroke, operative to transfer the stock strip from station to station, must be somewhat longer than would be required for transfer of wider stock strips, and consequently the stroke must be adjusted so that in either case the termination of the forward propelling phase thereof will dispose the stock strip in centrally aligned relation to the processing mechanisms at the respective station locations. The means for varying the stroke of the propelling device to such end comprises an adjustable stop member 2M which is threaded on a screw-threaded carrier shank 2l5; the latter projecting longitudinally outward from the rear end of the slide member of the propelling device. In operation, when properly adjusted on the carrier shank 2l5, the stop member 2M will abut the rear guide frame 29l so as to arrest the stock strip advancing stroke of the propelling device at a required predetermined point. The adjusted position of the stop member 2 M for different widths of stock strips may be indicated by a suitably graduated scale provided on the periphery of said stop member so as to be readable with reference to a fixed indicator pointer 216 mounted on the rear guide frame 26! (see Figs. 9 and 10).

To'cause properly timed reciprocation of the stock strip propelling devices, a rock-shaft 2|! is journaled in bearing brackets 2H8, which project from the machine framework, to extend longitudinally along said machine framework adjacent to the discharge side of the machine. Mounted on this rock-shaft 211, so as to be oscillated thereby, are lever arms 2? adapted to be respectively coupled with the freely projecting end of the tractor bars 299 of the respective propelling devices. Each tractor bar 299 is coupled to a corresponding lever arm 219 by a yieldable coupling connection comprising a knuckle member 229 that is pivotally connected to the end of the tractor bar. Extending axially outward from said knuckle member 229 is a tail rod 22! which slidably extends through a coupling collar 222 to which the lever arm 2|9 is pivotally connected. A compression spring 223 is mounted around the tail rod 22! between the coupling collar 222 and a stop nut7224 with which the end of the tail rod is provided. The yieldable coupling connection thus provided will accommodate the uniform oscillatory movemen u 0f the lever arm M9 to any variation in the stroke for which the propelling device is adjusted by the setting of the stop member 214. The means for producing properly timed oscillation of the rockshaft 2!? and its lever arms 2i9 comprises a cam 229 which is mounted on the outer end of the shaft E92 which is driven by the gearing I93 from the countershaft I85. Fixed on the rockshaft 2:! is a crank-arm 226 which is provided with an anti-friction roller 22'! adapted to be engaged by the cam 225. A pull spring 228 is anchored to the machine framework and connected with a lever arm 229 fixed on th rockshaft 2H, whereby to cause the crank-arm 226 and its anti-friction roller 22! to follow the cam 225.

In the operation of each propelling device, the same, in its retracted normal initial position, is disposed to engage stock strips S which are supported by the work table so as to be located at the receiving and advance stations. After the processing operations, which are simultaneously performed at advance stations, are completed, the means by which the propelling device is actuated is timed to effect an advance stroke of said propelling device. Such advance stroke is produced by outward swing of the lever arm 219 by which the propelling device is reciprocated. As outward swing of the lever arm 2 I9 is initiated, the first effect is to induce an initial independent longitudinal movement of the tractor bar 299 which is permitted by the above described lost motion connection of said tractor bar with the slide bars 295 of the slide member. The effect of this initial movement of the tractor bar 209 is to down swing the impeller members 201, whereby to engage their push fingers 298 behind the stock strips S. This having occurred, the rearward stop lug 212 of the lost motion coupling connection engages the cross-pin 2| 3 of the slide member, whereupon said slide member accompanies continued advancing movement of the tractor bar 299, and consequently causes the impeller members 201 to slide the stock strips S over the work table from one station to a next'succeeding station (see Fig. 9). To hold the stock strips S against displacement from aligned relation to processing mechanisms located at stations to which the stock strips have been thus delivered, bowed detent spring members 239, which are affixed to the under edges of the side members 293 of the guide structure in which the slide member moves, tensionally bear upon the delivered stock strips S, whereby to frictionally bind the same to the work table surface (see Figs. 9 and 10). While the processing mechanisms at the advance stations are performing their functions, the means by which the propelling device is actuated is timed to effeet the return or recovery stroke of the propelling mechanism, which is effected by inward swing of the lever arm M9 by which the propelling device is reciprocated. As inward swing of the lever arm is initiated, the-first effect is to induce an initial inward longitudinal movement of the tractor bar 299, which functions to 1 6 sie d rine ql i q y s he' r mu 1131, wherebythe in ieedingjofa stool: strip onto the work table for deposit at the receiving stat fth'eredf is fgiqqompanied by the scoring' or a i Qt beta-fie the istoqk t ip such v the disoharge r 1 cooperative with the :disc ir station of the work table would be ar a h preferablyresilient faee type. In other wares, the sooring or creasing operation, if desired to ble pertormed, may be optionally 'garriedbn git either the work input point or the ee utput ve n- 9 the m h n It is b v d. t the ra' on of he c ne h s a; -Whole, whereby stockgstrips delivered into the ma'c'hine and deposit'ed on the tv'ork fiablettiereoi are automatically moved s tep by over the Work table subjeet to s ucc'essi ve redfprocessing operations to convert the same int beitfor str'ap bodies whieh are finally disoharged from the m'achine, will be understood from the :abtiv detaiied description oi the mah eend'itsproeessingmechanisms without furth e lti'on orerijp lification.

in}; ne "described my invention, I claim: 1."I'n a inachine for processing stock strips to firbd iee belt jor strap bodies therefrom wherein 'a piuraglity of work treating stations, at which erepe'rrorm d various processing operations, are s ac dftpa'rt across a work supporting table between "a Work receiving station'and a Work dishargestation; the combination with said 'table of ,eliitoma'tie means for moving the 'work from station to fs'tition subjeet to the proc'essing'op'erations, said Work "moving means comprising a plur'e lityfoi per'alieily j'spaced guide structures nouiitedjon and 'abo've the 'work supporting table enjd jacro's's the same, longitudinally reciproca e Work propelling devices respectively slidin the respeetive guide structures, each pro= piling device "comprising a slide member having pi ted impeilermembe1-s spaced therealong, said e11 r members beingosoillata-ble in plane perfl i .111s: plane b e dw r supporting ardje 'nd from the latter, a tractor bar (1 tie the wen; supporting table and said .mgemb'er to which said impeller members vdtally cbnn ctedtoswing the same to and H v I orhen'gagingpositions'ailostmotion conv necti'cm between the slide member and traetor bar whereby after initial impeller member positioning movement of the latter continued-move: mentthereo't "is transmitted to the slide member,

tw g n "af erk re r t n st'a nr n w kf eherge -station; the "combination with said table fine'en's f r m v n th Q imm n toisteti e'sub eq t t e r ee ng 9 @1 n i'd r q'r mevi'e ns c m n a. lity of parallel? SE IQQd guide structures I 1 ab ve??? WQ u nq ine table .tfi d'w ss the me lii ifi d e l' we ble ork' mpenm -q v1 esge p uv 1 slid gu de, ti ct 'res, e h-m0- pellin'g device comprising a'slide member having 11% be 'substituted dpalr of Taterallj 17 pivoted impeller members spaced therealong, said impeller members being oscillatable in plane perpendicular to the plane of said work supporting table toward and from the latter, a tractor bar intermediate the work supporting table and said slide member to which said impeller members are pivotally connected to swing the same to and from work engaging positions, a lost motion connection between the slide member and tractor bar whereby after initial impeller member positioning movement of the latter continued movement thereof is transmitted to the slide member, said lost motion connection comprising a stop member affixed to the tractor bar having longitudinally spaced forward and rearward upstanding stop lugs and a cross-pin carried by said slide member subject to engagement by said stop lugs, a rock-shaft, lever arms oscillated by the rockshaft, a yieldable coupling connection between the free ends of the lever arms and the outer ends of the tractor bars of the work propelling devices, and means operative to cause timed oscillation of the rock-shaft.

3. In a machine for processing stock strips to produce belt or strap bodies therefrom wherein a plurality of work treating stations, at which are performed various processing operations, are spaced apart across a work supporting table between a work receiving station and a work discharge station; the combination with said table of automatic means for moving the work from station to station subject 'to the processing operations, said work moving means comprising a plurality of parallelly spaced guide structures mounted on the work supporting table to extend across the same, longitudinally reciprocable work propelling devices respectively slidable in the respective guide structures, each propelling device comprising a slide member having pivoted impeller members spaced therealong, a tractor bar pivotally connected with the impeller members to swing the same to and from work engaging positions, a lost motion connection between the slide member and tractor bar whereby after initial impeller member positioning movement of the latter continued movement thereof is transmitted to the slide member, a rock-shaft, lever arms oscillated by the rock-shaft, a yieldable coupling connection between the lever arms and the tractor bars of the work propelling devices, means operative to cause timed oscillation of the rock-shaft, and means for regulating the work propulsion stroke of the propelling devices to accommodate the same to various widths of work, said latter means comprising a screwthreaded carrier shank projecting axially rearward from the slide member of each propelling device, and a stop member threaded on each carrier shank for adjustment thereon, said stop members being adapted to abut the rearward ends of the guide structures which support the slide members whereby to arrest forward movement of the latter so as to predetermine the work advancing strokes thereof.

4. In a machine for processing stock strips to produce belt or strap bodies therefrom wherein a plurality of work treating stations, at which are performed various processing operations, are spaced across a work supporting table between a work receiving station and a work discharge station; a table framework, said framework having an upstanding stationary frame structure to support parts of work treatmg mechanisms at respective work treating statlons and an upstanding movable frame structure to support other cooperative parts of work treating mechanisms at corresponding respective work treating stations, means for adjusting said movable frame structure toward and from the stationary frame structure, whereby to position the cooperative work treating mechanisms for operation upon work of various length sizes, automatic means cooperative with said table for moving the work across the table from station to station subject to the processing operations of there located treating mechanisms, said work moving means comprising a plurality of parallelly spaced guide structures mounted on the work supporting table to extend across the same intermediate said stationary and movable frame structures, longitudinally reciprocable work propelling devices respectively slidable in the respective guide structures, each propelling device comprising a slide member having pivoted impeller members spaced therealong, a tractor bar pivotally connected with the impeller members to swing the same to and from work engaging position, a lost motion connection between the slide member and tractor bar whereby, after initial impeller member positioning movement of the latter, continued movement thereof is transmitted to the slide member, and means to eifect timed reciprocation of the work propelling devices.

5. In a machine for processing stock strips to produce belt or strap bodies therefrom wherein a plurality of work treating stations, at which are performed various processing operations, are spaced across a work supporting table between a work receiving station and a work discharge station; a table framework, said framework having an upstanding stationary frame structure to support parts of work treating mechanisms at respective work treating stations and an upstanding movable frame structure to support other cooperative parts of Work treating mechanisms at corresponding respective work treating stations, means for adjusting said movable frame structure toward and from the stationary frame structure, whereby to position the cooperative work treating mechanisms for operation upon Work of various length sizes, automatic means cooperative with said table for moving the work across the table from station to station subject to the processing operations of there located treating mechanisms, said work moving means comprising a plurality of parallelly spaced guide structures mounted on the work supporting table to extend across the same intermediate said sta-- tionary and movable frame structures, longitudinally reciprocable work propelling devices respectively slidable in the respective guide structures, each propelling device comprising a slide member having pivoted impeller members spaced therealong, a tractor bar pivotally connected with the impeller members to swing the same to and from work engaging positions, a lost motion connection between the slide member and tractor bar whereby, after initial impeller member positioning movement of the latter, continued movement thereof is tranmsitted to the siide member, and means to effect timed reciprocation of the work propelling devices, comprising a ion-- gitudinal rock-shaft supported in connection with the table framework, lever arms oscillated by the rock-shaft, a yieldable coupling connection between the lever arms and the tractor bars of the work propelling devices, and means operative to cause timedoscillation of the rock-shaft.

6. In a machine for processing stock strips to produce belt or strap bodies therefrom wherein a plurality of work treating stations, at which are performed variousprocessing operations, are spaced across a work supporting table between-a Work receiving station and a. Workv discharge station; a table framework, said frameworkhaving an. upstanding stationary frame structure to support parts of work treating; mechanisms at respective work treating stations and. an upstanding movable frame structure to support other cooperative parts of Work treating mechanisms at corresponding; respective work treating stations, means for adjusting said movable frame structure toward and from the stationary frame structure, whereby to position the coop.- erative work treating mechanisms for operation upon work of various length sizes, automatic means cooperative with said table for moving the work across the table from station to station subject to the processing. operations of. there located treating mechanisms, said Work moving means comprising a plurality. ofparallelly. spaced guide structures mounted on the work supporting, table. to extend across the same intermediate said stationary and movable frame structures, longitudinally reciprocable-work propelling devices respectively slidable in the respective guide structures, eachpropelling device comprising a slide member having pivoted impeller members spaced therealong, a tractor bar pivotally connected with the impeller members to swing the same to and from work engaging positions, a lost motion connection between the slide member and tractor bar whereby, after initial impeller member positioning movement or" the latter, continued movement thereof is transmitted to the slide member, and means to effect timed reciprocation of the work propelling devices, comprising alongitudinal rock-shaft supported in connection with the table framework, lever arms oscillated by the rock shaft, a yieldable coupling connection between the lever arms and the tractor bars of the work propelling devices, means operative to cause timed oscillation-of the rock shaft, means for-regulating the Work propulsion stroke or the propelling devices to accommodate the same to various widths of Work, said latter means comprising a screw threaded carrier shank projecting axially rearward from the slidemember of each propelling device, and a stop member threadedron each carrier shank for adjustment thereon, said stop members being adapted tov abut the rearward ends of the guide structures which support the slide members, Wherebytoarrest forward movement of the latter so-as topredetermine the work advancing strokes thereon JAlVIES ALLEN TUCK.

References Gited in the fileof this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 682,915 Cumms Sept. 17, 1901 922,195 Russell May 18, 1909 922,214 Turner May 18, 1909 969,308 Thornton Sept. 6, 1910 1,268,158 Russell June 4', 1918 1,510,700 Randall Oct..7, 1924: 1,734,365 Collins Nov. 5, 1929 1,905,353 Bedell May 2, 1933 1,920,762 Nair" Aug. 1,1933 1,940,464 Ritzinger et a1 -Dec. 19, 1933 1,997,710 Wolf Apr. 16, 1935 2,005,522 Holrn June 18, 1935 2,264,134 Hawley Nov. 25, 1941 2,350,496 Davis June 6, 1944 2,407,254 Conner Sept. 10, 1945 2,533,676 Matthews Dec. 12, 1950 2,539,902 Foley Jan. 30, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 144,472. Great Britain June 17, 1920 666,040v Germany Oct. 8, 1938 

